Pap Smear and HPV

Most of us are aware of the pap smear test, which is a test to detect cervical cancer or other abnormalities related to the cervix. In this test, the doctor inserts an instrument called a speculum into the cervix and scrapes out some cells and sends it to the laboratory for tests. The test may show the presence of normal or abnormal cervical cells. The presence of human papillomavirus (HPV), which spearheads genital warts and vaginal warts, can be detected in a pap smear. HPV can also be a initial indicator of cervical cancer.

What is HPV?

Cancer, especially cervical cancer can be caused by a virus, called the human papillomavirus or HPV. There are over 100 different types of HPV, of which at least 30 are spread via sexual contact. Cervical cancers are caused by HPV infection spread by HPV virus, which spread into the body via sexual contact, that is oral sex, vaginal sex, or anal sex. Besides conducing to cervical cancers, HPV is also seen to lead to skin cancers as well. This is because HPV infection can also spread by skin to skin contact.

In younger women, presence of HPV virus in the body is commonly seen, however, there is no occurrence of HPV infection, thus, there is no major risk of anything detrimental happening. HPV infection in older women is not as commonly seen as in younger women, but if present, it is a major risk factor for cervical cancer. Most women with HPV in their systems will not show any HPV symptoms. However, some may show HPV symptoms such a genital warts.

By carrying out a pap smear test, one can check for abnormalities in the cervical cells. For the past 60 years, pap smear test has been used to screen for initial stages of cervical cancer. The report may be normal or abnormal. A normal one indicates that the cells of the cervix are healthy and fine, while abnormal pap smear cells may indicate presence of HPV infection or some other abnormality. To confirm this finding, the test is carried out several times.

Abnormal Pap Smear and HPV Test

One can confirm abnormalities by repeating the pap smear test. But, what about the normal test reports? How reliable is the pap smear test? Although the tests are conducted to detect HPV, it was found that most women with negative tests actually showed positive HPV tests. This certifies to the fact that normal pap smear HPV results cannot be 100% relied upon.

In a report published in the British Journal of Cancer, in 1999, it was revealed that an HPV test is more accurate than a pap smear test in detecting cervical diseases. It was observed that an HPV test identifies cervical diseases 20% more accurately than a pap smear test. The study also revealed that incorporating HPV tests in cervical disease screening will help increase the number of cervical cancer cases at the right time, so that lives can be saved by early treatment. Especially for older women, carrying out an HPV test is definitely better than a pap smear test, which may or may not indicate presence of HPV infection.

HPV Test

An HPV test is done to detect high risk HPV infection in women. This test checks for the presence of the DNA strands of HPV. Like in a pap smear, HPV test also includes collection of sample cells from the cervix. The test will not only indicate presence of HPV, but will also detect the type, that is whether it's a high risk type or low risk type.

It is important to remember not to panic the minute your test reports abnormal pap smear HPV or positive HPV test. This does not always mean a person has cancer. It simply means they are infected by the virus and need to be treated before it leads to any form of cancer. It is important to talk to your doctor regarding the HPV test or pap smear procedure, its importance and risks associated with it.